Firms Accredited To Give 2nd Life To Scrapped Aircraft

Salvaged aircraft parts can be a good deal or a dangerous one but members of AFRA–Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association, a non-profit industry association that sets standards for the safe disassembly of end-of-service aircraft in relation to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship–are taking the guesswork out of the equation. U.S.-based Bonus Tech, Orange Aero in the UK and Volvo Aero Services of Sweden have recently been accredited under the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association’s newest best management practices (BMP version 2.0). The BMP guide encourages aircraft disassemblers or asset owners to find out whether an aircraft or aircraft part has been involved in an airworthiness event that includes unusual heat, stress or abnormal environmental conditions. The guide also defines airworthiness events under which it is appropriate to convey information about the past history of parts and recommends how and when to report them to succeeding holders to enhance safety. The organization also discusses the relationship between airworthiness events and hidden-damage inspections in the context of complying with government standards, as well as safety best practice.